Bulgarian historiography refers to the methodology of history studies developed and used by Bulgarian historians. Certified Bulgarian historiography dates back to the 17th century.[1] In principle, the termsBulgarian Historiography andHistoriography of Bulgaria overlap, given that until theliberation of Bulgaria there are only two stories (the first of Bulgaria and the second of Bulgarians) written by foreign authors –Blasius Kleiner (1761) and onKonstantin Jireček (1876).[citation needed]
Bulgaria and the Bulgarians are widely attested in medieval chronicles and writings, but their thematic independent history is absent until the 17th century. The first major work concerning Bulgarian history is theKingdom of the Slavs. It serves to support many other works.[2]
From 1667 dates the first independent Bulgarian history ofPetar Bogdan, which is entitledAbout the antiquity of the father land and the Bulgarian affairs. It is debatable whether it was printed in Venice at all, but this story remains without any social significance. The author is Bulgarian but aCatholic missionary.[3] It was not until the next 18th century when with theEnlightenment and therise of nationalism in Europe was composed the so-calledIstoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya, which played a huge role and was of fundamental importance for Bulgarian historiography.Spyridon Gabrovski used the library of theNeamț Monastery to supplement his knowledge and in 1792 he managed to complete a"Short history of the Bulgarian Slavic people".[4]
Professional Bulgarian historiography came to fruition in the 19th century after the creation of an independent Bulgarian state in 1878.[5] The main credit for this is due to two authors –Spiridon Palauzov with hisCentury of the Bulgarian Tsar Simeon, ie. TheGolden Age of medieval Bulgarian culture (1852) and Konstantin Jireček with hisHistory of the Bulgarians (1876).
From 1878 toWorld War I, the main focus of historical research was medieval Bulgarian history. During this period, historiography helped shape national consciousness and pride using historical knowledge, in line with other European countries as well as other Balkan states.[6]Positivism andromanticism was prevalent, along with politicization of the profession.Sofia University became the center of historical research.[7] The period afterWorld War II sawMarxist methodology being imposed, in symbiosis with nationalistic tendencies which grew after the 1960s.[8]
A History by Don Mavro Orbini of Ragusa, Abbot of the Order of Mletsch, in which is seen the origin of almost all nations speaking the Slavonic language, with the many and various wars which they waged in Europe, Asia, and Africa, the progress of their kingdoms, the ancient their religion and the time of their conversion to the Christian faith. And above all, one can see the successes of the kings who once ruled in Dalmatia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Raška and Bulgaria."
